William “Count” Basie launched his iconic orchestra in Kansas City in 1935, propelling it to fame as one of the definitive ensembles of the Big Band Era, epitomizing the sound of Kansas City swing. The Basie Orchestra attracted the top names in jazz to perform with it, from Billie Holiday and Joe Williams to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Ella Fitzgerald. Eighty-four years later, the late Basie’s orchestra is still going strong, still boasting members hand-picked by Basie who have been with the group for more than 30 years.